cons, as having a very solemn and responsible his dear people at Colchester, in the high and office; not to rule but to serve the church. spiritual blessings of that day and its occasion. 3. Towards the members, bearing and for- In the morning the service was commenced bearing, provoking to love and good works. by singing, after which Mr. Rolls engaged in 4. To the young, in counsel and instruction, prayer. Mr. Samuel Collins, of Grundis-love and kindness to neighbours, and even burgh, then stated the nature of a gospel enemies,-love to constrain in giving,-love church in a lucid and graceful manner. He to cheer in suffering,-love to silence enemies, stated the reasons of our dissent from the "See how they love one another." Established Church of England conclusively, answering certain objections brought against strict communion, both by Churchmen and Independents; and he then proceeded to draw the outlines of the constitution of a gospel church, taking for his model the church formed by Christ at Jerusalem. This was done with marked ability and deep solemnity; it was a statement sound, scriptural, savory, and full of instruction. In concluding, the preacher gave some valuable hints on the conduct of church meetings; said to be the ruin of our Baptist churches by their secular, polemical, and party-spirit character. He recommended that they should be of a devotional character, of an experimental spiritual tendency; that they should not be protracted, that mere matters of a secular, disciplinarian, or pecuniary character, should be well understood by the Pastor and Deacons, and that all personal remarks should be forbidden. That these meetings be not too frequent, except for the admission of members, or godly conversation. "How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Brother J. A. Jones gave out part of the 114th hymn, (2nd book, Watts); and the newly ordained Pastor concluded in prayer. Thus ended the solemn services of the day. Mr F. Collins was then called upon to give a statement of the work of grace upon his soul. He stated somewhat as follows:-My first convictions of the reality of divine and spiritual things were given me when about the age of seven. I distinctly remember, when alone in my bed-room, receiving an overpowering conviction of the wrath of God, a to feel, in some degree, that something must devil, a heaven and a hell, which brought me The Baptist chapel at Road, is a neat build- be done in order to escape hell and get to ing, with a school-room, and sufficient burial heaven, for I felt I had sinned and my condiground. It would, with the gallery, hold a from the one and secure the other I knew not; tion was not a safe one, but how to escape good congregation. The church consists of 80 members, with a good Sunday School. In but my conclusion was that I must pray, for the villages around are thriving Baptist inter- nothing could be done without prayer, and I ests; Rudge on the one hand, and Philips fell upon my knees to pray for the pardon of Norton on the other; with Beckington on the my sins. From this time I began to attend Frome road. At Southwick there is a flourish- with seriousness and sincerity the ordinances ing church, and the mother of most of the of religion, believing that all who did so went churches in the neighbourhood. These are to heaven, and that, by such a course, I should now all without pastors, except Beckington. be safe of going there when I died. These At Frome, five miles distant, there are four convictions never wore off, but exercised a reBaptist churches; and at Trowbridge, five, straining influence over my life during the including one General Baptist or Arian. days of my childhood and youth, preserving Thus it will be seen that the Baptist interest me from many shores in the which otherwise in these favoured parts is predominant. To I should have been entangled. And who can these may be added the churches at Bratton, tell the blessings for which a child of special North Bradley, and three at Westbury, West-providence is preserved ?-as was Joseph to bury Leigh, and Pennapp; all within a few miles. There are two churches at Bradford, one at Turley, one at Simpley Stoke; and preaching stations in abundance supplied by zealous and useful village preachers. Trowbridge. J. W. RECOGNITION OF MR. F. COLLINS, AT COLCHESTER. THE public recognition of Mr. Francis Collins took place at the Baptist Chapel, Lion Walk, Colchester, on Monday, June 13th, 1855. The day's services were greatly honoured by the presence of the Master of assemblies; a sweet, holy and cheerful spirit pervaded the congregation, and the ministerial addresses were pregnant with sound, wholesome, scriptural counsel, delivered with great clearness, liberty and power. Throughout the day a cloud of Divine incense ascended from the altar of regenerated and grateful hearts to heaven, for the manifested mercy of God to his dear family-as was Moses to the church of God. Nevertheless, at this period, I was ignorant of the gospel, nor were the fountains of my heart's depravity disclosed to my view; but the special care the Lord exercised over me in childhood and youth demands a song of praise. At the age of nineteen, I joined a society of Christians, called Wesleyans, and now I began to pay all diligence to the trimming of my lamp, and of securing, by my sincere and incessant labours, a large and plentiful stock of oil. This brought me soon into notice, and while I grew into mighty consequence with myself, the vanity and deception of my soul was fed by the flattering commendations of others. It is true, I laboured long and arduous, in great sincerity, but in great ignorance, for I as much calculated upon the certainty of my going to heaven by my course of consistency in the flesh, duties to God, and religious attentions, as upon the certainty of the sun's going its diurnal course. Thus I continued regular in attendance upon prayers, fastings, vigils, and zealous prosecut London, where I became settled. Was led Lan In the afternoon our old tried friend and beloved brother, John Foreman, delivered the charge from Phil. ii. 7, "But made himself of no reputation." ing all possible means for saving myself and those around me. With all my religion, (and I was supposed to possess as good a share as most in that county at that time,) I was in awful ignorance of the plague of my own heart, the nature and extent of the righteous law of God, and the perfect justifying righteousness of Jesus Christ. But the days of my religious importance was numbered; the period was soon to close of the deception of obtaining life by works. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name.' The Lord was pleased to allure me and bring my soul into the wilderness, where no water was, a land of drought and of dragons, of blasting and mildew-chambers of imagery was presented to my soul, that was appalling and distracting. I was not to be cheated out of my heavenly inheritance by the machinations of a self-righteous devil. To prevent this, the Lord sent home the law in all its convicting, condemning and ruling powers, which worked wrath and all manner of inward darkness, bondage, and misery-anguish filled my soul, the fountains of my religious pleasures became dry, my malady became incur- Mr. Collins then related his call to the minable to pursue my duties and regain my con- istry, and also gave a statement of the docfidence I attempted, but all was a failure- trines he believed and preached. The service sin working, tyranising, the devil fearfully lasted from 11 o'clock until about 2. The tempting, guilt and misery indescribable scar-Lord was present, and the people were glad. ing me, in dreams by night and terrific fears by day-restless, discontented, presumptuously wishing for death, even at the risk of damnation-deep was my wounds and sore my distress, ever and anon trying the old remedy The preacher then proceeded to address for relief with bitter disappointment-my our brother Collins in great plainness, affecburdened soul was exposed to Divine ven- tion and fidelity. It was an address worthy geance, but where to fly for refuge I knew of the occasion, and gave great satisfaction to not; sometimes, in a state of sudden despon-all. May the Lord graciously sanctify it to dency, giving up all hope, for the more I tried both pastor and people. the worse I became; no soul such a great sinner and so wretched as me, truly the chief I am. At times I was enabled to go into secret places and weep and mourn, and try to pray for deliverance, confess my sin, urge my case, and beg for God's mercy. I was indeed weak, helpless, ruined, and my heavenly Deliverer was pleased still to hide his face-my religious acquaintance stood aloof from my sore, they understood not my case, and I was ignorant myself of the way of deliverance; I had many times exhorted others to believe, to be happy, to enter into the kingdom of heaven, but now I found I could as soon create a new planet as subdue my sins, or command the faith which saves the soul. My freewillism broke down under the rebukes of God, and my religious clothes of self-righteousness were shivered and become loathsome, and now a little remedy would not suit. During these afflictions I was harassed not a little with the temptation to disbelieve the being of God, and to reason myself into the belief that there was no heaven, no hell, no bible of truth, no religion. From this fearful gulph the Lord wonderfully delivered me. Also to the horrid crime of suicide; but here again my Lord foiled the tempter. My deliverance here filled me with surprise of soul-"When I said, my foot slipped, thy mercy, Lord, held me up." It pleased the Lord in the order of his providence in a mysterious way to bring me to In the evening Mr. James Wells preached to the church from Matt. vi. 22, 23-" If thine eye be single," &c. Our highly esteemed brother was truly alive to his work, and most ably opened up the depths of that interesting portion of God's Word, giving sundry counsels of no ordinary importance to both minister and people. Truly may it be said, "What hath God wrought? The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad!" The services were well attended, and the desire was generally expressed for a long continuance of the mercy recognised that day, in increased and increasing peace and harmony, spirituality and prosperity. Amen. ANNUAL MEETING AT UNICORN YARD CHAPEL, TOOLEY ST. Ir being just twelve months' on Tuesday, June 24th, since the Baptist Chapel, Unicorn Yard, was re-opened, after being restored, a tea and public meeting was held to commemorate the same. A large party of friends partook of tea at half-past 5; and at half-past 6, the chair was taken by the pastor; brother White supplicated the Divine blessing on the minister, church, and congregation. The chairman then called upon one of the deacons to give the friends present some account of the Lord's dealings with them during the past year, as a church and people, which was replied to by Mr. Henry Hanks, as follows: "CHRISTIAN FRIENDS,-This being the first anniversary of the re-opening of this place of worship, we are anxious to give you a short report of our procedure during the past year; and here, indeed, we would raise our Ebenezer of praise and thanks-giving and say, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad.' 6 "When this ancient church at Unicorn Yard invited Mr. C. W. Banks to the pastorate, the church at Crosby Row then united with them and became one church; their numbers speedily increased from 31 to 181, so that, the chapel having been thoroughly repaired, and the attendance being encouraging, an entire new aspect was evident, and often have we heard the friends formerly worshiping here express their heartfelt gratitude to God at seeing so favourable a result from the union thus brought about. "The former deacons of this chapel (three in number) wishing that peace and harmony might dwell among us, thought that it would be advisable, as the church had so increased in numbers, to resign their office into the hands of the church, giving them an opportunity of making their own selection of brethren to serve in that office; they therefore voluntarily resigned, and the ballot was taken for seven deacons, two of which were re-elected, as having formerly held office. The brethren are now unitedly engaged in promoting the interest and comfort of the pastor, attending to the wants of the poor, as well as having an anxious desire for the prosperity of the cause and the glory of God. "The cost of the repairs of the chapel and house, amounting to £400, has been paid within about £40. A Sabbath School has been established; a Dorcas Society is in operation; and the Sick Society revived-all of which, we have reason to believe, have the approbation of God, and are promising to be very useful in this densely populated neigh bourhood. "We have also manifest tokens of the Divine presence; for although our pastor is often, through excessive labor, suffering extreme weakness and debility, yet it is our mercy to have a living, faithful ministry, and there is evidently, at times, great power in the word, and it is greatly blessed to the feeding of the flock of Christ, which he has purchased with his own blood, as well as confirming the wavering, causing them to be decided for God, and arousing the thoughtless; so that we have had to say, with thankful hearts, "This is none other than the house of God and the gate of heaven.' "During the past year we have received by experience, 17; by baptism, 5. Total, 22. Loss by death, 5; by dismissions, 5. Total, 10. Making a clear increase of 12. Our present registered number of members, 198. The work of the Lord is still going on, as others have been proposed for membership, and four are now waiting for baptism. Thus, while we are thankful to our Covenant God for that measure of success which he has granted us, we would say, 'Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity:' and desire ever to cherish a spirit of love and affection, earnestly praying that the Holy Spirit may be more abundantly poured out upon all the churches, and that they may be found striving together for the faith once time hastened on when the knowledge of the delivered unto the saints,' and that glorious Lord shall cover the earth as the waters do the channels of the great deep.' 'Send now, we beseech thee, O Lord, send now prosperity.'' After the report, brother Messer gave us a very animated, instructive and profitable address; followed by brother Stringer, who found his way to the hearts and souls of many present, who fain would have sung, "Here my best friends, my kindred dwell Here God my Saviour reigns." Then came our brother Chislett with a sobor and solid address: after which brother Chamberlain gave us a few words of advice. The hour being late, the meeting was then closed, which many testified had been the happiest season they had experienced for some time. In the course of the evening, one of the deacons presented the pastor with a purse of gold, and the following address: "Dear Pastor-Having been requested to perform the pleasing task of presenting to you, in the name of this church and congregation, a testimonial expressive of the warm attachment they feel to you, both as an honored and faithful servant of Christ, and a sincere christian brother; I now present this purse to you with the warmest affections of my heart, believing that you will receive it, not for its value and acceptability merely, but as an additional proof that, notwithstanding all your trials and afflictions, you live in their affections, their sympathies, and their prayers; and hereby pledge themselves to hold up your hands in every possible way they can; and, although the Lord may not see fit, for wise purposes, to grant you the full desire of your heart in your work, yet it is so evident that the Lord is with you, it is our firm belief, that it is your's to bow to the Sovereign will of God, and in his strength go on. "My dear Pastor, it is our united earnest prayer, that you may be long spared to us in usefulness, and that you may enjoy much of the sweetness of the truths you preach to others." OPENING OF SALEM BAPTIST CHAPEL, COGGESHALL, ESSEX. MR. EDITOR.-You will oblige a large circle of Christian friends if you will register some of the proceedings of one of the happiest days we have been favored to enjoy for these many years in this quiet corner of the county of Essex. The old Baptist Chapel which has stood the tug and tear of many storms during the last sixty or seventy years, had become not only unsound, but unhealthy; and so damp and dilapitated that many feared to enter the place. Never, we think, was the kind hand of a wise and gracious Providence ever more conspicuous than in the commencement and completion of this new era in the Baptist interest. To all human appearance had no one's heart been stirred up to raise a new altar for the worship of God in this town, the cause of Divine truth, and New Testament gospel practice must-in some measure-greatly declined. But "the Lord reigneth;" the government of Zion is on his shoulders; the welfare and continuance of the visible church on earth is in his heart, and, her prosperity is too closely identified with his own glory ever to forget or forsake her in her days of adversity and sorrow. The Baptist cause at Coggeshall had sustained many a shock; and when her old pastor, Mr. Revitt, died, her weakness caused her best friends to tremble for her safety. But, oh, what an inexhaustible fulness is treasured up in the purposes, powers, and possessions, of our glorious covenant Head! When the Lord sent us our present muchbeloved pastor, brother Collins, among us, he sent us a useful and a faithful man; he sent us a ministry which has been instrumental in holding us together, in strengthening our hands, and in increasing our numbers. Some time since, a legacy of ten pounds was left to Mr. Collins for him to use it in the best way he could for the good of the cause. At a church meeting he simply asked-" What shall I do with this £10?” A brother proposed that it should be laid down as the first instalment towards erecting a new Baptist chapel in the town of Coggeshall. This was agreed to-and a subscription was commenced a contract was entered into the building was erected; and on Wednesday, June 27th, one of the most compact and convenient, one of the most modest-looking, yet thoroughly substantial Baptist chapels to be found in this kingdom was opened for the worship of God, by sermons preached by Mr. C. W. Banks, and Mr. C. H. Spurgeon. Some of our friends would be thankful to have a small memorial of the nature of these discourses; but I know your space will not allow. Let me say in conclusion, that early in the morning we had a solemn meeting for prayer; at eleven o'clock, the opening service commenced. The chapel was well filled with a large and attentive congregation, while our friend C. W. Banks preached a sound discourse from the words And mine elect shall long enjoy the works of their hands." We found the little earthen vessel filled to the brim; and many of our friends rejoiced in a happy realization of the Lord's power and presence under the first sermon preached. The afternoon and evening sermons by Mr. Spurgeon were truly edifying; and the powerful appeals which he made both to conscience and character were, we hope, attended with the Divine blessing. Not less than fifteen hundred persons listening to his testimony in the Independent chapel, very kindly lent to us, and above £35 were collected. Our friends at Coggeshall need a helping hand, and that strong Arm which has [It may be useful to some churches who are about to build, to state that the greatest astonishment was expressed by all on the opening day, at the comparatively small sum for which so substantial and commodious a place of worship had been erected. Mr. Gibbons, of Ipswich, the builder, was spoken of in the highest terms, as a gentleman that had in every way fulfilled his engagements, and considered the interests of the cause.] WANDSWORTH ANNIVERSARY, DEAR MR. EDITOR.-According to appointment, the anniversary was held on Tuesday. It proved a blessed day to my soul, and I have no doubt to many others. Our dear brother Kershaw preached in the afternoon from Phil. iii. 3. He introduced his subject, in which he spoke of dogs-who they were; he then divided his text into four parts: 1st, What was the circumcision? 2nd, What it was to worship God in Spirit; 3rd, Rejoicing in Christ Jesus; 4th, Put no confidence in the flesh. He spoke of the temporal circumcision of the Jew, then most blessedly went on to shew the circumcision of the heart; how our Father in love to us brings home to our conscience the law of God by the power of his Spirit; and as of old times the sharp instrument was used for the circumcision, so is the circumcision knife a sword of the Spirit, used by the Blessed One. How Saul of Tarsus could prove that! so can the children of God in our day, more or less. The next worship God in Spirit. Our dear brother said that with him, when at the throne pleading with his Father, how often satan annoyed him as to what he was until the blessed Spirit came and directed his mind to the Lamb. He then said there was a time when he set about his own salvation, doing a part, and Christ a part; and oft it is we sew the new cloth (Christ's righteousness) upon our old garments. He told us how God stripped us, and made us worship him in spirit and in truth. Rejoicing in Christ Jesus. He said, does the joy that the poor soul (when brought into liberty) has, spring from the creature? No; it is from a view of Christ's love given to him to enjoy by God through his Spirit to look in himself; he finds nothing but uncleanness. Lastly, have no confidence in the flesh. The dear old man said, we had better be careful that we did not make an arm of flesh, even in those we love; and again, in our own heart, which was worst of all, and not too much in promises. He says he thinks, for forty years, he has not made a vow in his own strength. He has been brought to know what flesh was to depend upon. I trust all that were present that knew the Lord, could enter into these things more or less, that our brother spoke of. Our dear brother Moyle spoke in the evening from Matt. xxviii. 16. He introduced his subject-the place where the disciples was, was a place of appointment; and spoke more of the power that was given to Christ not to become God, for that he was already; but to be a Mediator. He spoke of the power of in LETTER XIV. fluence, the power of preservation, the power | EPISTLES TO THEOPHILUS. of government. Influence. He said that an idiot might have great riches, but no influence; Christ has influence with God for his church. Mr. M. said, "Friends, amidst all your sins, beware you do not commit the one of undervaluing Christ's power of influence. He spoke of the power of preservation very nicely, and also of the power of government. He told us at the close that it is a part of royalty to attend to Christ's law. Your's sincerely, JAMES BURRETT. A REVIVAL AT HOLLOWAY. DEAR MR. EDITOR.-On the cover of the June Vessel, notice was given that Mr. Shipway, our late pastor, had commenced his stated labours at the Cave Adullam, Stepney. The question may arise in the minds of some, as to how we are getting on at Holloway since Mr. Shipway's removal. That our position may be known, I send the following brief account for insertion in the Vessel, if you think fit to find it a place therein. Mr. Shipway left us in February last. Previous to his leaving, our congregation had fallen off; some of our members were removed in Providence; the love which had existed among us appeared to be declining, and there was a little murmuring in our camp, so that things with us looked rather gloomy. These circumstances, together with the debt on the chapel, caused my soul to go bowed down, while satan and unbelief suggested that the cause would be broken up, and we should all be scattered. But after much groaning before God, that he would arise for our help, the Lord dropped this sweet portion into my soul, "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shall thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shall be fed." Psalm xxxvii. 3. This caused faith and hope once more to spring up in the soul, and enabled us to cast ourselves at the dear Lord's feet, and watch his hand at work among us; and truly the Lord hath done great things for us, by sending us suitable supplies; also causing the dew so blessedly to rest upon the Word, so that we have been refreshed thereby. Our congregation has now greatly increased; and on Wednesday, May the 30th, five females and two males followed the Lord into the ordinance of baptism, and were added to the church the following Lord'sday with two others, who had been previously baptised. We have been supplied the first Lord's-day in each month, and also on Thursday evenings, by Mr. Isaac Everett. Such has been the power and sweetness attending the word delivered by him, that there was a unanimous call from the church and congregation for him to become our pastor. After much prayer and due consideration, he was invited to that office, which he accepted, and commenced his stated labors among us the first Lord's-day in June. Thus far our God hath helped us, and his name shall have the praise. J. BATTSON. I have dwelt in my My good Theophilus, The subject of this letter, as also my next Now look, on the one hand, at your necessities, and on the other hand, at the several parts of this covenant and see if in heaven, or on earth, or under the earth, a substitute for any one part of this covenant can be found; and also, ask youself the question whether by those relations and parts of the new covenant, the living and blessed God be so endeared to you, that nothing else can be gospel to you? And ask also another question, namely, whether, if there be any one item in this covenant short of perfection, where penal wrath could reach you, do not the daily workings of a fallen nature assure you, that only one vulnerable point would infallibly hurl you headlong from a covenant having in it one, only one, defect? For what sense is there, in which you are not corrupt, and unclean? What one commandment of the law is there, that can find anything in you as a sinner, but that which is evil? Yes, you feel that as a sinner, your character answers with awful exactness to those who are excluded from the holy city, "And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie." But what is there pertaining to God, that we can, as sinners, touch without defiling it? And what else, (pertaining to God's truth,) can they that are in the flesh do, but work abomination, and make and propogate, concerning God, falsehood? Alas for man, how true it |